Pope Francis appeals for end to human trafficking

Pope Francis called for increased efforts to end human trafficking on Sunday. The Holy Father’s appeal came in remarks following the Angelus prayer with pilgrims and tourists gathered in St. Peter’s Square, on the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time and the World Day against Trafficking in Persons, sponsored by the United Nations.

“Each year,” said Pope Francis, “thousands of men, women and children are innocent victims of sexual and organ trafficking, and it seems that we are so accustomed to seeing it as a normal thing.”

The Holy Father went on to say, “This is ugly, it is cruel, it is criminal.” He called human trafficking, “an aberrant plague,” and, “a modern form of slavery,” renewing his appeal for universal commitment to ending the practice.

Pope Francis concluded his appeal by leading everyone present in the recitation of the Hail Mary for the intention of ending human trafficking.